STREET SMARTS Meaning and
Definition
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Street smarts refers to a practical knowledge and understanding gained through personal experiences, particularly in urban or challenging environments. It is a form of intelligence that cannot be acquired through academic education alone but is instead attained through exposure to real-life situations and social interactions. Street smarts are often associated with astute judgment, keen observation, and resourcefulness in navigating everyday life, especially in tricky or potentially dangerous surroundings.
Individuals with street smarts possess a heightened awareness of their immediate environment, enabling them to anticipate and respond appropriately to various circumstances. They have an understanding of people's intentions, emotions, and motivations, which allows them to effectively navigate social interactions and identify potential risks. Street smarts require quick thinking and adaptability, as well as the ability to read non-verbal cues, assess body language, and decipher social dynamics.
Having street smarts involves a range of practical skills, such as knowing how to negotiate prices in a market, avoiding scams and cons, recognizing potential threats, and finding alternative solutions to problems. It also encompasses the ability to think on one's feet, make sound decisions under pressure, and find creative ways to solve everyday challenges.
Street smarts are often associated with individuals who have grown up in less privileged or disadvantaged environments, where they have had to rely on their instincts and survival skills to navigate their surroundings. However, it is important to note that acquiring street smarts is not limited to any specific background or upbringing. It is a valuable form of intelligence that can be developed by anyone through exposure to various social situations and learning from real-life experiences.
Common Misspellings for STREET SMARTS
- streetsmarts
- atreet smarts
- ztreet smarts
- xtreet smarts
- dtreet smarts
- etreet smarts
- wtreet smarts
- srreet smarts
- sfreet smarts
- sgreet smarts
- syreet smarts
- s6reet smarts
- s5reet smarts
- steeet smarts
- stdeet smarts
- stfeet smarts
- stteet smarts
- st5eet smarts
- st4eet smarts
- strwet smarts
Etymology of STREET SMARTS
The term "street smarts" originated in American English, specifically in the 1970s. It combines the word "street", which refers to the public road in a city or town, with "smarts", meaning intelligence or cleverness. The term was coined to describe practical knowledge and skills gained through firsthand experience, especially in urban environments. It emphasizes the ability to navigate and understand the complexities of everyday life through observation, social interaction, and adapting to various situations. The term has since become widely used and understood to refer to a type of practical intelligence distinct from academic or book knowledge.
Idioms with the word STREET SMARTS
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street smarts
Street smarts refer to the practical knowledge and experience that a person has gained through living in a tough or challenging environment, such as the ability to make smart and quick decisions in difficult situations.
Similar spelling words for STREET SMARTS
- street lamp,
- street address,
- streetwalker,
- street-walk,
- street fighter,
- street cleaner,
- street drug,
- streetwalk,
- starter motor,
- street sign,
- street name,
- stretch mark,
- street clothes,
- Street Arab,
- streetlight,
- street sweeper,
- street cred,
- street corner,
- street smart,
- street person,
- street theater,
- street girl.
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